Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 11:37 pm GMT
The Detroit Lions community is mourning the loss of Joe Schmidt, the team’s legendary Hall-of-Fame linebacker, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92. Schmidt’s significant contributions to the Lions franchise during his 13-year career remain a cornerstone of the team’s history, as he played a pivotal role in securing their last two NFL championships in 1953 and 1957. His daughter, Kerry Schmidt, shared a heartfelt final request that reflects the deep ties the family maintains with the team and its storied past.
A Final Request for the Lions
Kerry Schmidt recalled her poignant last conversation with her father, emphasizing a unique request. In a humorous yet touching way, she asked Joe, before his passing, to seek out Bobby Layne in the afterlife and “ask him to remove the curse” that has plagued the Lions since his departure. Layne, who quarterbacked the Lions during the 1950s, has become a legendary figure not just for his playing skills but also for the notorious curse he allegedly placed on the team when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958. Kerry’s statement encapsulated the hope that perhaps the team might finally break the long-standing streak of bad luck they have faced for over six decades.
Legacy of Joe Schmidt
Joe Schmidt’s football career began at the University of Pittsburgh before he joined the Detroit Lions, where he quickly made a name for himself. Throughout his career, he was known for his tenacity on the field and his leadership qualities, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
During the 1957 season, Schmidt was part of a talented roster that included the celebrated quarterback Bobby Layne. Layne broke his leg late in the season, leading to a pivotal change in the lineup before the championship game, which the Lions ultimately won. This victory marked the last time the franchise claimed the NFL title, and Schmidt often reflected on the emotional significance of those moments.
In a 2017 reunion, Schmidt described the bitter feeling surrounding Layne’s trade and the subsequent downturn for the team. “Bobby was sort of a tough guy on the outside but inside he was sentimental and he liked his teammates… I think he had that attitude, which is right, that, ‘Hey, I brought all these championships to you and now you’re going to broom me and go someplace else,’” Schmidt was quoted as saying. This connection to Layne and the team at large persisted throughout his life.
A Family’s Dedication to the Lions
Beyond his remarkable career as a player, Schmidt maintained an unwavering loyalty to the Lions. His family, particularly his wife Marilynn and their five children, shared this devotion. They regularly attended Lions games, especially the traditional Thanksgiving matchups, signifying a continued commitment to the franchise, even after moving to Florida. Kerry expressed her hopes that her father and Layne might intervene for the Lions from above, wishing for the team to secure a championship for the first time since Schmidt’s playing days. “He will. I know he will,” Kerry confidently remarked, reflecting a family belief in sharing in the team’s legacy.
Tributes and Remembrance
In honor of Joe Schmidt’s legacy, the Detroit Lions organization plans to hold a moment of silence and a video tribute before their upcoming game. The coaching staff and players recognized the profound impact Schmidt had on the franchise. “Joe Schmidt was a Hall of Fame player and a great coach—he’s a true representative of everything the city and team stand for,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell acknowledged how Schmidt’s life story represented not just a successful career, but also the spirit of resilience that characterizes the Lions and their supporters.
Schmidt’s contributions to the game and his impact on the community will resonate well beyond his passing. His legacy lives on through the memories of fans, his family’s unwavering support for the Lions, and the hope that once again, the team can achieve the success it so fervently desires.
The loss of Joe Schmidt leaves a big gap in many people’s hearts. However, his spirit will always be with the Lions as they work towards a better future in the coming years.
